KALUMUNAN: REDISCOVERING DIBABAWON LEXEMES THROUGH THE LENS OF VISAYAN-DIBABAWON GEN Z SPEAKERS

Abstract

The rise of intercultural communication, globalization, and education has significantly impacted the linguistic acculturation of Gen Z. The study aimed to analyze the occurrence of linguistic code-mixing among Gen Z about intercultural communication and the impact of globalization. The experiences of ten Gen Z students from various ethnolinguistic backgrounds at U.M. Tagum College were investigated using descriptive phenomenology in this study. Participants were interviewed to gather data on their contextual experiences, compensation strategies, and perspectives on linguistic code-mixing. The findings revealed significant aspects such as personal attributes for adjusting to languages, communication challenges, coping strategies, language adaptation, and language interference. Moreover, the research indicated that Gen Z Indigenous People are encountering a code-mixed of their native language, the Dibabawon lexemes, and the prevailing language, Bisaya. They unconsciously incorporate Dibabawon terms into the Visayan community, causing confusion among non-native speakers. Consequently, the choice of language depends on the situation, with the native language playing a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Gen Zs. The study's results underscore the intricate relationship between language, culture, and identity, underscoring the necessity of language policies and educational initiatives that promote the preservation and respect for native languages among Gen Z.